Texas’ season got off to a solid start Friday as the team was barely edged out by UCLA to finish second in the Texas State Elite Meet in San Marcos. The gap between the teams was only 1.5 points.

Victories from Zack Bilderback (400 meters), Patrick McGregor (800 meters), Austin Bussing (1,500 meters) and Will Spence (shot put) helped Texas rack up a total of 147.50 points, but the Longhorns could have been helped to a winning start by two All-Americans who rested for their specialty events — senior Keiron Stewart and sophomore Ryan Crouser. 

And though they missed out on a victory, the Longhorns looked in good form as a series of personal bests were set at the meet. Bussing (3:48.55), McGregor (1:49.57) and Spence (59-7) won their events with career-best marks, while redshirt sophomore Casey Wicker managed a second place finish with a personal-best 17-2 3/4 pole vault. Hayden Baillio also had the best hammer throw showing of his career with a toss of 171-8.

The next step for Texas will be hosting the 86th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, which will run Wednesday through Saturday.